Tomb Raider Digital Foundry analysis PS4 Vs Xbox
One

The unscheduled, early release this weekend of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 allowed us to get something of a head start on our upcoming Face-Off coverage. Factoring in the controversy surrounding the frame-rate differential between the two versions, we prioritised performance analysis in order to get our impressions to you as quickly as possible - and the results are going to make for uncomfortable reading at Microsoft.

Reports suggesting that the PS4 version of the game operates at a slick 60fps while the Xbox One game languishes at the console-standard 30fps are verified - up to a point. Deeper analysis reveals that PS4 frame-rates can vary significantly depending on the effects work at play, resulting in variable controller latency and some on-screen judder. For its part, performance on Xbox One is palpably lower - massively so judged by the numbers alone, but the experience itself is more consistent overall.

First up, let's compare the two versions of the game running exact like-for-like footage via engine-driven cut-scenes. On Xbox One, we see a lock at 30fps, with occasional dropped frames shifting results lower. Activity is far more interesting on the PS4 side though, with frame-rate varying from anything between 32fps to 60fps across our sample, with elements such as TressFX, depth of field and transparent alpha effects hitting frame-rate in a cumulative manner. Note in particular how scenes that switch between the TressFX-enabled Lara and the rest of the cast can see sudden switches in performance.

We've added some additional metrics beneath the video, because as the game is apparently running unlocked, figures such as average frame-rate are actually meaningful - on the PS4 side at least. With 45fps reports filtering across the internet the suggestion is that the Xbox One version is unlocked too, though in our testing the game certainly acts as though it's capped at 30fps (a good test for this is looking directly at the sky with as little geometry on-screen as possible - here we still see a 30fps limit in effect) meaning that direct frame-rate comparisons from a pure 'benchmarking' perspective aren't really viable - especially when two entirely different developers worked on each version (PC veteran Nixxes for PS4, United Front Games for Xbox One).

For what it's worth though, comparing PS4 and Xbox One when the Microsoft platform dips under 30fps is perhaps the best indication we have of relative performance, and can see some significant differences - up to 20fps in some scenes. However, even with the 30fps cap in place (in theory limiting output), sometimes Xbox One moves closer to its sibling's performance level, when the PS4 engine is really under load.

Thanks for that and the Xbox #1 color palette looks better, especially the flames.Can't tell a difference for the frame rate at all.---1. Don't hate Xbox #1 because you can't get a girlfriend. 2. I want Nintendo to make a console comeback and re-introduce me to their ride.

#5benjimainPosted 1/27/2014 11:34:12 AM

teehee23 posted...

Thanks for that and the Xbox #1 color palette looks better, especially the flames.Can't tell a difference for the frame rate at all.

Facts are facts.

#6s2good(Topic Creator)Posted 1/27/2014 11:34:14 AM

teehee23 posted...

Thanks for that and the Xbox #1 color palette looks better, especially the flames.Can't tell a difference for the frame rate at all.